I hope everyone is as excited as I am about our National Symposium, Elevate in Orlando, Florida!! Vonda LaFever AIFD and Randy Wooten AIFD have put their heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears and three years of their lives getting us ready to be “Elevated” in 2026! The words “thank you” are not enough. Sincerely, THANK YOU BOTH for everything that you’ve done! I know it’s going to be AMAZING!
Our annual conference is what we look forward to each year to catch up with friends, learn and get inspired and talk about the importance of our organization, where we’ve been, but more importantly where we’re going!
One of my favorite evening event is the Awards and Induction ceremonies.
Congratulating and acknowledging our SAIFD students who have prepared, practiced and fretted getting ready for their competition, then to watch them take their place on stage to accept their awards! Truly inspirational! Several past SAIFD students have become AIFD members and gone on to become teachers themselves! Floral education at its best!
Speaking as a past SAIFD advisor, I have to say it’s just as thrilling for us as it is for the students when your chapter takes overall high scores! [1993 Triton College MacKenzie SAIFD Chapter]. A evening that I and I’m sure my students will never forget.
As the current Student Membership Committee Chair, I want to thank and commend all the advisors, teachers and mentors who work hard to get our students to symposium. Our future truly is bright with everyone working together to benefit our students. They are our future leaders!!
Then of course, our new members Induction Ceremony.
We each remember our own Induction night and how special and magical it was. Something each of our 24 Inductees this year will always treasure. I hope you’ll all join me in welcoming them into our AIFD family!
I know they’re all anxious and excited to walk across that stage, receive their gold pin and become an Accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and I can’t wait to celebrate with each and everyone of them on their special night!
As I step into my role as your 2026-2027 President, I want you all to know that I am always available to hear your questions, listen to your concerns and as a team, make the important decisions that will guide and lead AIFD for a brighter future.
Our Executive Team, National Board of Directors and AIFD Staff are here to serve you, our members.
We’ve endured change, but changes are many times necessary for the long term benefit our organization .
AIFD is still and always will be a strong advocate for floral education at every level. I look forward to serving as your 2026-2027 AIFD National President.
It’s going to be an exciting year and it all begins in Orlando at Elevate!!! See you there!
Brent Leech AIFD
AIFD National President Elect
Student Membership Committee Chair
